1,557 reviews
Having never read the books I wasn't really sure what to expect from The Sandman. Then after reading through the reviews and seeing how mixed they were I was even more confused about whether I should give it a try. I'm glad I did because I really enjoyed it. I just read that it got renewed for a second season so that's good news. It looks like most of the negative reviews are from people that are mad that it's not exactly like the source material and I've never got that. As long as it's entertaining...who cares. Movies and shows have to be adapted for tv and are just based off the source material. Less than 5% of the people who watch these movies and tv shows have actually read the book or comic it's based on.
I have to say I enjoyed The Sandman more than I thought I would. I have to admit I knew nothing of the comic or even heard of it so I had no expectations at all. It is definitely something different and unlike any show I've seen. The closest thing is American Gods but I stoped watching that in Season 2 as the quality of that show fell off after the first season. It has a solid 7.9 so it looks like most people seem to like it. I thought Tom Sturridge did an excellent job as the lead and Boyd Holbrook was just as good as one of the villains the of the story. The creator of the comic book (Neil Gaiman) is an executive producer so hopefully he'll have a big say as to where the story goes. It's already been renewed so I'm looking forward to more of the story.
- Supermanfan-13
- Jul 17, 2023
- Permalink
- fraser-simons
- Aug 6, 2022
- Permalink
I knew nothing of the graphic series before watching this,, so I have no preconceived ideas of what this should or should not be.
It feels dark and gritty like a good graphic novel come to life. As one who enjoys a visual feast, I thoroughly enjoy the sets and details within each scene. I have watched the entire season at least 3 times and notice little things in every episode each time I watch.
I think that Tom Sturridge plays the part in an otherworldly spectacular way. I love the evolution of his character from distant, and godly, to one with a care for humanity. The premise of the "nightmares" is highly intriguing. Boyd Holbrook plays his character flawlessly. I despise him, but, at the same time can't stop watching when he is on the screen.
There are possibilities for growth and change within the series. I can't wait for season 2.
It feels dark and gritty like a good graphic novel come to life. As one who enjoys a visual feast, I thoroughly enjoy the sets and details within each scene. I have watched the entire season at least 3 times and notice little things in every episode each time I watch.
I think that Tom Sturridge plays the part in an otherworldly spectacular way. I love the evolution of his character from distant, and godly, to one with a care for humanity. The premise of the "nightmares" is highly intriguing. Boyd Holbrook plays his character flawlessly. I despise him, but, at the same time can't stop watching when he is on the screen.
There are possibilities for growth and change within the series. I can't wait for season 2.
I've read the cartoon series and two of Gaimans books, so I was already a fan of his. I was excited that this series was made and overjoyed by the result. While there are a few things I could nitpick at, this was a rollercoaster of a series for me.
I would enjoy the show a more with a bit less violence. Also I feel like Desire is a more sinister character than in the cartoons.
I think that having read the cartoons makes this series more enjoyable, as you have a lot more context to the characters. That's the only way I can explain the show's mediocre ratings. Highly recommended if you are already a fan. If not read the cartoons first.
All in all I can't wait for more of this.
I would enjoy the show a more with a bit less violence. Also I feel like Desire is a more sinister character than in the cartoons.
I think that having read the cartoons makes this series more enjoyable, as you have a lot more context to the characters. That's the only way I can explain the show's mediocre ratings. Highly recommended if you are already a fan. If not read the cartoons first.
All in all I can't wait for more of this.
- amantajerlin
- Jul 8, 2023
- Permalink
I didn't know the story is based on a comics - I found it out from the imdb reviews. I didn't even know what it's gonna be about, I just had a feeling I'd like it and when I had time, I binge-watched it. And I loved it.
I love the dark atmosphere and the gloomy Morpheus, the Greek mythology foundations, the way the characters are built and the way the story evolves. I don't mind the slow pace, it worked for me to create a dreamy state which is perfect for the story. Contrary to the reviews I saw, I enjoyed more the second part, because it is when we got some action and when the characters stopped being just weird.
I need to say it. There's too much wokeness and it hurts the story and shrinks the possible audience. Don't get me wrong - I don't mind people with different orientations. But if only 1/3 of the characters are not on spectrum, that bothers me. I cannot watch this with my partner, because even though the show is great, he wouldn't like that everyone is gay and/or trans. I wish the producers didn't go that wild with the gender assignments. I think more people would have enjoyed the show.
In any case, I'm looking forward to the second season because the quality of the story and the world-building gives me enough satisfaction to be able to ignore what I don't like. But well, I'm growing more and more tired of shows betting on sexuality to drive views.
I love the dark atmosphere and the gloomy Morpheus, the Greek mythology foundations, the way the characters are built and the way the story evolves. I don't mind the slow pace, it worked for me to create a dreamy state which is perfect for the story. Contrary to the reviews I saw, I enjoyed more the second part, because it is when we got some action and when the characters stopped being just weird.
I need to say it. There's too much wokeness and it hurts the story and shrinks the possible audience. Don't get me wrong - I don't mind people with different orientations. But if only 1/3 of the characters are not on spectrum, that bothers me. I cannot watch this with my partner, because even though the show is great, he wouldn't like that everyone is gay and/or trans. I wish the producers didn't go that wild with the gender assignments. I think more people would have enjoyed the show.
In any case, I'm looking forward to the second season because the quality of the story and the world-building gives me enough satisfaction to be able to ignore what I don't like. But well, I'm growing more and more tired of shows betting on sexuality to drive views.
I thought the show was really great the first episodes, dark setting and interesting characters. Somewhere along the way I grew bored by the show however. I will probably watch the second season if it ever comes out since I am a fan of the novels. This was entertaining but the stark difference to how it started and how it ended made it less interesting for me. I hope the next season will focus on what made the first episodes so good. I think maybe sandmand will have a hard time to compete with all the upcoming franchises coming out this fall, I hope I am wrong though!
On another note, 600 characters requirement for a short user review is too damn long!
On another note, 600 characters requirement for a short user review is too damn long!
- william-eugensson
- Aug 30, 2022
- Permalink
"The Sandman" TV show delivers a mesmerizing and captivating narrative that seamlessly weaves together elements of fantasy, mystery, and supernatural intrigue. From its stunning cinematography to its richly developed characters, the series offers a visually arresting and emotionally resonant experience for viewers. One of its greatest strengths lies in its ability to stay true to the essence of Neil Gaiman's beloved graphic novels while also bringing a fresh perspective to the screen. The cast delivers standout performances, bringing depth and complexity to their respective roles. The intricate storytelling keeps audiences engaged, with each episode unveiling new layers of the intricate mythology that underpins the series. With its compelling blend of dark fantasy and philosophical themes, "The Sandman" proves to be a must-watch for fans of the genre.
- dszabo-53136
- Mar 26, 2024
- Permalink
It took me a while, but I finally found myself in the right mood to watch this, and I'm glad I waited until I was, as opposed to just diving into it just because it was new.
I'm a huge fan of the books, but when the first season of this dropped I knew I needed to be able to give it the time it deserved. To watch it one episode per day or every few days, while not watching any other show aside from 'comfort' background stuff I have on while scrolling or reading a book. So I waited until that moment came, and it was absolutely worth it.
Only reason I'm giving it 8 is because of a few things that irked me. The main one being, as good as the actress is, I would have liked to have seen the John Constantine character show up.
Regardless of a few minor flaws, this adaptation is as good as one could hope for.
I'm a huge fan of the books, but when the first season of this dropped I knew I needed to be able to give it the time it deserved. To watch it one episode per day or every few days, while not watching any other show aside from 'comfort' background stuff I have on while scrolling or reading a book. So I waited until that moment came, and it was absolutely worth it.
Only reason I'm giving it 8 is because of a few things that irked me. The main one being, as good as the actress is, I would have liked to have seen the John Constantine character show up.
Regardless of a few minor flaws, this adaptation is as good as one could hope for.
- celph-33003
- Apr 23, 2024
- Permalink
If Sandman were doing it's job, episodes 7-10 would explain why we should care about Dream and The Dreaming, not alienate and confuse viewers that do not have an insight into where the epic Sandman storyline eventually ends up. There is little connective tissue from Point A to Point Z, mostly because these episodes lack any real tone or nuance. The show gets busy - strangely more compacted- than even the 24 page comics they are adapted from. These episodes - without the gravity of a gifted actor like David Thewlis - just sort of spiral into nonsense. And since little effort is placed on delineating the importance or role of Dream or The Dreaming (or for that matter, the identities of The Endless as characters or the function of their realms) the series comes off as dull and drab and dim-witted.
"the Sandman" is one if the most emotional, insightful, intelligent comics ever written, and it accomplishes so much by suggesting the fantastical in the mundane. But in this Netflix adaptation, The Dreaming and Reality have no clear identities - just noisy cross-cutting between often drab actors performing rote functions. That's why, perhaps, the performance of Thewlis pops so much. We need to see the consequences of an innocent character interacting with the ideas of a universe so beyond his control. Every bit of momentum that the show builds up in those center episodes puts a greater emphasis on how the first episode and especially episodes 7-10 utterly fail.
Netflix's Sandman lacks scope, and ultimately comes off as pretty silly when it fails to maintain a solid core of genuine human emotion. Why, for example, squander the casting of Stephen Fry and the warm, wonderful Gilbert character with such a slim, unconvincing treatment? Gilbert's journey is essential as a mirror to that of the Corinthian, and all of the queasy menace of a "cereal convention" gets lost in the production's dayglo attitudes, loose ends, and loud box-checking.
I turned on this series the second Rose, Unity, and Jed began stumbling through these awful scripts and questionable performances. Any honest crew could have seen that mess going wrong. How could they not, having obviously understood the significance of, say, "Passengers" and "The Sound of Her Wings"? If Jed, Unity, and Rose are a "family", hiw are supposed to believe that Dream has any real affection for Death or Hob, or even compassion for John Dee or Johanna Constantine? The emotional gravity devolves into nonsensical B-movie execution.
If Sandman gets a second season, it will have to address the elephant in the room - casting and scope will have to get much more expansive and solve a lot of scale problems. Nothing here suggests that this can be accomplished. If you read through the negative responses to the series, you can see that folks don't have a lot of patience for the massive world-building that makes the conclusion of Sandman so moving and philosophically relevant. But as a fan of the source material, one has to ask why a die-hard would want to see such messy adaptations of works that deserve better?
With the two most awkward Sandman texts out of the way, the meat of the series comes next, but nothing in episodes 7-10 suggest that these producers are up to the task.
"the Sandman" is one if the most emotional, insightful, intelligent comics ever written, and it accomplishes so much by suggesting the fantastical in the mundane. But in this Netflix adaptation, The Dreaming and Reality have no clear identities - just noisy cross-cutting between often drab actors performing rote functions. That's why, perhaps, the performance of Thewlis pops so much. We need to see the consequences of an innocent character interacting with the ideas of a universe so beyond his control. Every bit of momentum that the show builds up in those center episodes puts a greater emphasis on how the first episode and especially episodes 7-10 utterly fail.
Netflix's Sandman lacks scope, and ultimately comes off as pretty silly when it fails to maintain a solid core of genuine human emotion. Why, for example, squander the casting of Stephen Fry and the warm, wonderful Gilbert character with such a slim, unconvincing treatment? Gilbert's journey is essential as a mirror to that of the Corinthian, and all of the queasy menace of a "cereal convention" gets lost in the production's dayglo attitudes, loose ends, and loud box-checking.
I turned on this series the second Rose, Unity, and Jed began stumbling through these awful scripts and questionable performances. Any honest crew could have seen that mess going wrong. How could they not, having obviously understood the significance of, say, "Passengers" and "The Sound of Her Wings"? If Jed, Unity, and Rose are a "family", hiw are supposed to believe that Dream has any real affection for Death or Hob, or even compassion for John Dee or Johanna Constantine? The emotional gravity devolves into nonsensical B-movie execution.
If Sandman gets a second season, it will have to address the elephant in the room - casting and scope will have to get much more expansive and solve a lot of scale problems. Nothing here suggests that this can be accomplished. If you read through the negative responses to the series, you can see that folks don't have a lot of patience for the massive world-building that makes the conclusion of Sandman so moving and philosophically relevant. But as a fan of the source material, one has to ask why a die-hard would want to see such messy adaptations of works that deserve better?
With the two most awkward Sandman texts out of the way, the meat of the series comes next, but nothing in episodes 7-10 suggest that these producers are up to the task.
- grinningelvis
- Sep 2, 2022
- Permalink
The show started out pretty good and hit a really big peak with Episode 6, which was a master piece of dialog and acting. Then it just felt like the director or someone else was fired because after episode 6 it was a struggle to watch it until the end.
I would like to see more of seasons of the show but they have to fix the pacing and limit the amount of odd characters. I think that was really the problem after episode 6. It started to introduce all of these weird human characters and then directed the normal characters to act as though nothing was wrong with them. It was all a bit odd as any sane person would never go near people like this, yet it was all accepted with a smile and a chuckle and endless fruitless dialog.
I would like to see more of seasons of the show but they have to fix the pacing and limit the amount of odd characters. I think that was really the problem after episode 6. It started to introduce all of these weird human characters and then directed the normal characters to act as though nothing was wrong with them. It was all a bit odd as any sane person would never go near people like this, yet it was all accepted with a smile and a chuckle and endless fruitless dialog.
You know those shows where the main character is incredibly unlikable but you continue to watch because all the other characters are so great? For me, that is The Sandman. Dream's personality is that of a pouty spoiled 13-year-old goth kid who was told, "We're all out of combat boots." He has been given the responsibility of the dream world, where you can be anyone, do anything, and create whatever you want. Yet in the heart of The Dreaming, he creates a castle to match his personality, dull and lifeless. Whenever possible and usually in a whispery voice *eye roll*, he reminds us how very important and super duper powerful he is by punishing others unnecessarily. If he can't buy any more combat boots then by god everyone will suffer.
On the flip side, they have created a lovely well-rounded supporting cast. Characters that appear in a single episode, like Rosemary, have more depth and leave a larger impression than Dream.
The storylines are interesting and the supporting cast is enjoyable. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Will I be dressing up as Dream for Halloween? Nope.
On the flip side, they have created a lovely well-rounded supporting cast. Characters that appear in a single episode, like Rosemary, have more depth and leave a larger impression than Dream.
The storylines are interesting and the supporting cast is enjoyable. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Will I be dressing up as Dream for Halloween? Nope.
- deniseparker
- Oct 30, 2023
- Permalink
This did an excellent job, but haters are always going to hate on projects like this. I'm shocked that it's this good tbh. Don't listen to the haters, this is great.
- anarchyintheus7
- Aug 5, 2022
- Permalink
I honestly don't understand the hate..
It was the best thing I have watched in many years. I absolutely loved it.
Some are saying that it is clumsy and slow. But for me, as someone who has not read the comic, it was neither clumsy nor slow.
So much happens in just twelve episodes, that I feel like I have watched three seasons and not just one - and I mean that as a big compliment. They don't try to draw things out plot wise and I appreciate that.
Please don't listen to the haters and do your self the favor and watch it.
The only thing I will say is: watch it in a dark room, as some scenes are quite dark.
Some are saying that it is clumsy and slow. But for me, as someone who has not read the comic, it was neither clumsy nor slow.
So much happens in just twelve episodes, that I feel like I have watched three seasons and not just one - and I mean that as a big compliment. They don't try to draw things out plot wise and I appreciate that.
Please don't listen to the haters and do your self the favor and watch it.
The only thing I will say is: watch it in a dark room, as some scenes are quite dark.
- linemuszen
- Mar 17, 2024
- Permalink
- Starbuck-13
- Aug 4, 2022
- Permalink
- MeatWagon911
- Jan 8, 2023
- Permalink
It's fair to say I've always been somewhat of a fan of the distinctively whimsical, quintessential eccentricity imbued within famous author Neil Gaiman's writing (ever since - in 2011 - first being introduced to it as a child in BBC1's 6th season of "Doctor Who", with his critically acclaimed episode "The Doctor's Wife") & therefore, as a long-time admirer of his impressive portfolio of work, growing up alongside his growing number of flourishing projects, I'd previously made consistent efforts to acquaint myself with his prior TV adaptations "Good Omens" & "American Gods" but admittedly, had never yet had the pleasure of reading the much beloved "Sandman" graphic novels (of which this series is based upon, widely considered to be his best) before. Hence, I personally went in to this season with no preconceived expectations & thus, I must concede - after viewing the first 3 installments - that this Netflix series has completely blown me away & ironically surpassed even my wildest dreams.
Of course, I can only comment as a casual viewer (& am unable to ascertain the faithfulness to the source material, present within these episodes), but within the first 3 hours, we as an audience are introduced to a rich, layered, enchanting world of pure imagination that is creatively borne, masterfully realised & the sheer scope & scale captured from beginning to end is honestly mesmerising. Indeed, it's no surprise to witness peculiar & cerebral fantastical wonders on screen - in a fantasy constructed from the inspired mind of such a quirky, ingenious scribe - yet nonetheless, I still found myself utterly confounded by the sheer regality & majesty of this grandiose, unconventional & wholly epic tale.
It's a credit to all of the cast & crew members involved, who've respectfully & lovingly brought such a breathtaking universe to life & I'm hopeful the quality established here in the preliminary chapters will continue throughout... Because from what I've seen, I'm seriously floored. It is utterly remarkable, beautifully dark & haunted & unlike anything I've had the opportunity to previously binge on the streaming service, in its history.
There's a palpable sense of history & mythology to it which immediately draws you in & I cannot wait to see more. What a major achievement!
Of course, I can only comment as a casual viewer (& am unable to ascertain the faithfulness to the source material, present within these episodes), but within the first 3 hours, we as an audience are introduced to a rich, layered, enchanting world of pure imagination that is creatively borne, masterfully realised & the sheer scope & scale captured from beginning to end is honestly mesmerising. Indeed, it's no surprise to witness peculiar & cerebral fantastical wonders on screen - in a fantasy constructed from the inspired mind of such a quirky, ingenious scribe - yet nonetheless, I still found myself utterly confounded by the sheer regality & majesty of this grandiose, unconventional & wholly epic tale.
It's a credit to all of the cast & crew members involved, who've respectfully & lovingly brought such a breathtaking universe to life & I'm hopeful the quality established here in the preliminary chapters will continue throughout... Because from what I've seen, I'm seriously floored. It is utterly remarkable, beautifully dark & haunted & unlike anything I've had the opportunity to previously binge on the streaming service, in its history.
There's a palpable sense of history & mythology to it which immediately draws you in & I cannot wait to see more. What a major achievement!
Rather over-thought and ponderous portrayal of the source material. Have to admit that although I liked episode 1, I still haven't finished the rest. I can't keep interested enough. I wrote a better review but it's gone.
I am disappointed that my original review which was written, then rewritten and edited a number of times before being posted on the 6th, has been removed. It had already received more likes than any other review as I am a fan of Gaiman's work and put a lot of thought into writing it. I am not a rude or abusive person but when people want your review removed you must have hit a nerve. Hence, this no-review review. Sorry.
I am disappointed that my original review which was written, then rewritten and edited a number of times before being posted on the 6th, has been removed. It had already received more likes than any other review as I am a fan of Gaiman's work and put a lot of thought into writing it. I am not a rude or abusive person but when people want your review removed you must have hit a nerve. Hence, this no-review review. Sorry.
I don't often leave reviews but felt like people deserve fair warning. The first five episodes are effectively one story and the first four of these are very good. Definitely worth watching them and then the fifth for closure, although it is a bit tedious and you can skip to the last 10 minutes for a resolution. The sixth episode is a bit of a standalone and has interesting characters and an easy story but is irrelevant to the rest of the season. The last four episodes are a new story, with barely any focus on the main character, Dream, and are boring. There is no reason to care about any of the characters and there is no sense of the impending doom they are trying to create as you either know it will turn out fine or kind of hope they all die, just to make it interesting. Teases of other Endless and their plans or influence amount to nothing and they tack on a teaser for the second season right at the end to try and make it seem like something exciting might happen. Really just don't bother. Most of the actors and the special effects are really good though.
- beastme1000
- Aug 15, 2022
- Permalink
- kelschkeyssi
- Aug 23, 2022
- Permalink
(See addendum below) 4 episodes in, very happy - In truth it would so far be 9/10, but there are so many "agenda" low reviews that I feel it my duty to offset them with a 10. So far very satisfied with the adaptation, and as it follows the comics quite closely we all know that the first story arcs are just the story learning to walk. There is so much good to come, and already it's evident that they will be able to pull it off. The end of e4 was amazing, can't wait to continue tonight!
Edit: I've now watched it all. From the end of e4 to e6 was the high point (e5 one of the best things I've ever watched and e6 was just as beautiful as on the page), but it was all worthwile so the 10/10 stays. And yes, I love the comics since the 90's - not 100% on all of the remixing of Doll's House (e7-10) but in the end it worked and setup the second season perfectly. I'll repeat, the first 2 books were just the series finding its direction. There's going to be some amazing stuff going forward, I'm sure (as the comics got exponentially better and the team has proved they can adapt them)!
(Oh, and from the weird comments by alleged comic fans: IMHO all the substituted "appearances" of the cast worked perfectly. As far as their altered "preferences", maybe re-read the second book?)
Edit: I've now watched it all. From the end of e4 to e6 was the high point (e5 one of the best things I've ever watched and e6 was just as beautiful as on the page), but it was all worthwile so the 10/10 stays. And yes, I love the comics since the 90's - not 100% on all of the remixing of Doll's House (e7-10) but in the end it worked and setup the second season perfectly. I'll repeat, the first 2 books were just the series finding its direction. There's going to be some amazing stuff going forward, I'm sure (as the comics got exponentially better and the team has proved they can adapt them)!
(Oh, and from the weird comments by alleged comic fans: IMHO all the substituted "appearances" of the cast worked perfectly. As far as their altered "preferences", maybe re-read the second book?)
- mikko-28698
- Aug 6, 2022
- Permalink
Just finished binge watching this last night. And what quite a story telling it was! From magic spell to travel the Hell, from human greed to dream seed, from dark adventures to realm contender, you name it. But my favorite episode was the sixth: The Sound Of Her Wings. It really gave the surreal drama feel, no thriller no horror no suspense, just like gliding the dream. And by the way, who's the Lord of Dream's barber?! Because he changed his hairstyle every century or so! I hope they make an episode of his barber next season (finger crossed)
Amazing 9/10.
Amazing 9/10.
- soeprijo19
- Aug 8, 2022
- Permalink